St. Augustine, Florida

To whomever it was that suggested we stop at St. Augustine, Thank you!!  What an amazing town!  The architecture is fascinating, starting with the early Spanish style, to the British contribution, finally culminating in the Ponce de Leon Hotel, built by Henry M.  Flagler.  He was a co-founder of Standard Oil and a multi-millionaire.  The Hotel, completed in 1887, was designed by New York architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings, and was constructed entirely of poured concrete. The hotel was wired for electricity at the onset, the power being supplied by generators from Thomas Edison, a friend of Flagler's.  Flagler had several other buildings and churches constructed in town, all in the same Spanish Renaissance style. 

Hotel Ponce de Leon, today the Flagler College

Does it look familiar?   It reminds me of Philadelphia's Frank Furness of the same period, and of Bernard Maybeck of the San Francisco area, just a little bit later.  These artists were experimenting with new styles (based on old traditions) and new materials in their designs.
 

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Grace United Methodist Church

Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum, also built by Flagler, was originally a hotel for those who could not afford to stay at the Hotel Ponce de Leon.

The original Spanish influence contributed to homes that were entered through gardens:

and second floor balconies.

The bridge crossing over to Anastasia Island:

Unique architecture, a unique history, a unique place!